Dealing with winter's grip: Protecting your car from frost

Winter is making its presence known for the first time this season, weather-wise. Drivers now need to allocate more time for morning vehicle preparation. Low temperatures and moisture can make simply getting into the car quite a challenge.

The first problem often arises when trying to open the locks. Although modern cars, as well as many older models, are equipped with remote unlocking via key fobs, traditional locks are still sometimes used. When the key doesn’t slide into the lock, a chemical lock de-icer can be an effective solution. It's affordable and can be found at the gas station. Remember not to leave the de-icer in the car, because it won’t serve its function there—it's obvious, yet many people forget.

Frequent use of the de-icer necessitates regular lubrication of the locks. Some de-icers contain lubricating ingredients, but the cheaper ones might wash out existing lubricant, which could hinder the lock's operation and speed up rusting.

Another method for dealing with a frozen lock is using a so-called heated key— a gadget with an electrically heated tip that melts the ice inside the lock. Alternatively, you can heat the key with a lighter to gradually melt the ice. These procedures may need to be repeated, so it’s worth having an anti-freezing agent for locks, available online or at automotive stores.

Once you manage to unlock the door, you might find the door seals are frozen, preventing them from opening. While the most obvious reaction is to pull the door, this can tear the seals or even damage the handle. It's better to gently push against them as though trying to push the door inward. This might crack the ice. If that doesn’t help, it's better to attempt entering the car through another door.

Once inside the car, turn on the heating and direct the airflow onto the door seals. Without ensuring the driver’s door can open, you should not drive— in case of an accident, assistance from the outside may be hindered.

If no door wants to open, you can spray the seals with a windshield de-icer, which should help remove the ice. You might also try using a hairdryer, although its effectiveness might be limited in freezing conditions.

Pouring hot water on the door is not a good idea— the temperature difference might damage the glass, and the water could seep into crevices, causing further problems in cold temperatures. It's better to carefully pour warm (not boiling!) water on the seals and dry them thoroughly after opening.

To avoid daily battles with frozen seals, they can be properly protected with stick lubricants. These products are available in automotive stores. Although some people recommend greasing the seals with butter or dairy fats, it's better to opt for specialized products that prevent seals from drying and cracking.